La forma sencilla de añadir un toque crujiente a las espinacas salteadas
Hoy en día, la mayoría compramos espinacas (o espinacas baby) en bolsas grandes o envases de plástico. Es muy fácil echar un buen puñado en una sartén con aceite o agua y saltearlas hasta que se marchiten (mejor escaldarlas brevemente con agua caliente de la pasta para que se ablanden ligeramente y tengan más volumen). Pero las espinacas salteadas o al vapor pueden resultar un poco monótonas.
Part of that monotony is due to the texture. No matter how flavorful the spinach is, it always has that same wilted or mushy feel. This can be remedied in several ways. For example, sauté chopped onion and bacon before adding the spinach. Add chopped apples or pears to the mix once the spinach has cooled slightly. Or, if you prefer something simpler: toast a handful of flaked or chopped nuts and mix them with the spinach just before serving.
Add nuts to the spinach for maximum crunch.
The secret is to make this dish as simple as possible. Toasting nuts is incredibly easy. You can toast them with or without seasonings, with or without oil, depending on how you plan to use them. Plus, you can toast them in the oven, microwave, or a pan, and it will only take a few minutes.
Toasting in the oven is the most laborious option. Place the sliced, chopped, or whole walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Microwaving is the easiest option: place a single layer of walnuts on a plate and heat for two minutes. But we're looking for the simplest process possible. A one-tray solution is the best.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add a handful of chopped or sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Stir frequently for about five minutes, until toasted but not burnt. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Add oil and onion or garlic, and cook until softened. Add a bunch of clean, dried spinach (keeping it wrapped in paper towels will keep it crisp for weeks) and sauté until wilted. Finally, add the nuts and cook for about a minute, stir, and serve. Drizzle with pure balsamic vinegar. Enjoy! Your guests will thank you.
